Unemployment rates fell last month in most U.S. states, including in some hit hardest during the recession.

U.S. factories stepped up hiring and production in March, the latest evidence that manufacturing is growing at a healthy pace and fueling the recovery.

A growing number of chief executives at large U.S. companies say they are more optimistic about the economy and plan to step up hiring. The brighter view from the boardroom comes after the best three months of job growth in two years.

The number of people seeking U.S. unemployment aid fell to a four-year low last week, bolstering the view that the job market is strengthening.

Fewer people sought U.S. unemployment benefits last week, adding to signs that the job market is strengthening.

The unemployment rate fell in 45 U.S. states in January, a sign that nearly all of the country is benefiting from an improving economy and job market.

The number of U.S. jobs openings fell in January from a three-and-a-half year high. The modest decline suggests hiring could continue at its healthy pace but may not accelerate.

U.S. employers added 227,000 jobs in February to complete three of the best months of hiring since the recession ended. The unemployment rate was unchanged, largely because more people streamed into the work force.